I am a lay Parent Advocate assisting parents of children with disabilities in school IDEA, 504 and SST meetings. I am a former CHADD and LDA Coordinator, graduate of the 1st GA Advocacy Office PLSP legal training course and most importantly parent of two children with various disabilities.

GNET=GetNoEducation/Therapy=PsychoNOed=Jail without Jury or Trial=Imprisonment without Legal Representation

CONFIDENTIAL AND PRIVILEGED Information contained in this communication is confidential and privileged. It is not meant to represent legal or medical advice, but rather advice given based on my knowledge as a trained Parent Advocate by the GA Advocacy Office, Council of Parent Advocates & Attorneys, CHADD, LDA, the GA DOE Parent Mentor program as an invited guest and the special education attorneys that I often work with on educational matters. Please do not forward without my permission.

On Monday, August 5, a hearing will be held at 9:30 a.m. for Melanie Pickens, who was indicted on 12 counts of child cruelty and child abandonment for her abuse of disabled children attending Fulton County School District. Attached is the indictment.

The families of the disabled children abused have been informed that the criminal defense attorney for former FCSD teacher Melanie Pickens will be asking for a continuance, and the families strongly object to further delay in this matter. They believe it is way past time Pickens be held criminally liable for what they believe to be her horrific abuse of and crimes against their children.

It is important for the families to be supported at the hearing for all to see how important this is to our community.

Doubtful Pickens will be there, but her attorney will and the media has stated it will be there (ABC and CBS Atlanta and possibly CNN).

The more attention brought to public school child abuse of disabled children in GA, the more we increase public awareness of just how significant a problem this is. Many are advocating for cameras in special ed classrooms in GA, and while this may seem impossible right now, I recall thinking over a decade ago that it would be very difficult to ever stop public school seclusion rooms in GA and that has been accomplished.

The hearing should not be long at all, but your appearance would be most appreciated by all the families involved.

Anyone needing a ride can ride with me if they can get to the address below by 8:30 a.m. Just email me off list. I’m sure the families will also give rides – most will be coming from N. Fulton County area.

PLEASE SHARE THIS MESSAGE WITH EVERYONE WHO MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN ATTENDING AND WITH ANY LIST SERVICE for special needs children.